US government hires BlackSky to build next-gen AI surveillance satellites for Earth and beyond

The US government awarded BlackSky an IDIQ contract to build next-generation space surveillance satellites for Earth orbit and cis-lunar space.

The IDIQ deal includes Gen-3, Aros, and more advanced payloads, with $99 million in initial funding and a $2 million project start payment.

BlackSky will supply satellites and services as requested by the Air Force Research Laboratory and will use its in-house software and manufacturing.

The company’s Gen-3 platform provides high-resolution, AI-enhanced imaging and the new payloads will expand those capabilities.